What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a healthcare payment program that is jointly funded by the federal government and state governments, while being operated by the states. This unique structure allows for flexibility in how Medicaid is administered in each state, which often includes differing eligibility requirements, benefits, and payment systems.

Medicaid serves low-income individuals and families, including children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities. The federal government provides a significant portion of funding, but each state is responsible for the implementation and management of the program within its boundaries. This partnership between federal and state levels is vital for ensuring healthcare accessibility for vulnerable populations.

In contrast, the other options describe programs or concepts that do not accurately capture the essence of Medicaid. For instance, describing it as solely a state-funded program overlooks the critical federal contribution, while labeling it as a private insurance program misses the public nature of Medicaid. Similarly, equating it with a type of Medicare for older adults incorrectly conflates two distinct programs designed for different populations and needs.